Company sends menstrual cups to space to help female astronauts

Reusable menstrual cups have been tested in outer space to assess their safety and effectiveness for managing menstrual health during long-term astronaut missions.

As part of the AstroCup Project, Lunette launched two menstrual cups aboard a suborbital rocket to test their performance in zero gravity. The cups did not leak, break, or become contaminated.

Made from hypoallergenic medical-grade silicone, the cups can be reused for up to 10 years with proper care. Unlike tampons, they collect rather than absorb menstrual fluid, helping maintain natural pH balance while reducing odour and irritation.

According to Lunette, female astronauts are currently forced to use hormonal contraception to suppress menstruation completely while on missions.

“As space travel expands and more women join missions across national and commercial programmes, it’s more important now than ever to have these conversations,” said Aleksandra Oklinska, Lunette co-owner. “The need to address menstrual care in orbit is more urgent than ever. Every astronaut deserves access to safe, effective and sustainable period care.”

“This is one small step for menstrual health and one giant leap toward inclusion and equality in space,” Oklinska added.

Disposable menstrual products are difficult to manage during spaceflight due to cargo space and waste disposal constraints. The test suggests menstrual cups could provide a more practical and sustainable alternative, potentially eliminating the need for hormonal suppression.